Fowler College of Business

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We’re excited for all of our graduates as they cross the commencement stage this weekend and begin their next chapter.

This year, Business Administration earned the top spot among SDSU’s most popular degrees, with 2,560 graduates representing the field. The Fowler College of Business is proud to celebrate the drive, resilience and ambition of our newest alumni as they take their next steps into the business world and beyond.

Read more about the top 10 degrees for 2026 here: https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2026/05/sdsus-top-10-degrees-among-2026-graduates

Fowler College of Business finance senior Sandy Basaka is turning her entrepreneurial vision into impact. Inspired by her own experiences as a first-generation college student, Basaka founded “Our Yard,” an online marketplace connecting SDSU students with local deals and exclusive offers. With support from the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center and ZIP Launchpad, and mentors, like former Costco CEO and SDSU alumnus, W. Craig Jelinek, she is now competing in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards for a chance to win $100,000.
Click here to read more: https://business.sdsu.edu/news/2026/03/sandy-basaka-global-student-entrepreneur-award

A full circle moment at the Fowler College of Business.

More than 35 years after taking Marketing 370 at SDSU, alumna Charo Mouritzen returned to campus to thank the professor who helped shape her career. Marketing lecturer Lois Olson’s lesson on qualitative research influenced Charo’s professional path and continues to resonate decades later.

That influence now spans generations. Charo’s son Ryan is currently a Fowler marketing student learning from Olson in the same class. From alumni to current students, her commitment to teaching has shaped careers, inspired curiosity, and created lasting connections that define the Aztec experience.

Click here to read more: https://business.sdsu.edu/news/2026/01/mouritzens-olson

Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Yaoyi Xi represented the Fowler College of Business as a panelist at the Coronado Rotary Club's annual Financial Market Forecast. This year’s discussion brought together leading financial advisors and industry strategists alongside academic expertise to offer a multi dimensional perspective on financial market trends for 2026. Dr. Xi’s insights were a highlight of the program and sparked strong engagement from attendees, reflecting the value of academic leadership in conversations shaping the future of financial markets.

Doak Walker Award semifinalist Lucky Sutton is driving impact on and off the field. As a standout running back and a dedicated business student in the Fowler College of Business, he is building the confidence and skills to launch his own company after his football career. His commitment to discipline, teamwork and leadership continues to shape both his athletic success and his path toward a future in business. Read more here: https://business.sdsu.edu/news/2025/11/lucky-sutton

In 1981, Fowler College of Business alumna Yvonne Besvold (‘82) earned a unique place in SDSU history as the first woman bartender at Monty’s Den, the former on-campus bar located in the original Aztec Student Union.

The skills Besvold learned behind the bar, such as handling pressure and connecting with people, helped shape her path in the business world. After graduating, she built a successful career in finance with roles at Neiman Marcus and Disney, eventually retiring as CFO of Patagonia.

Besvold considers attending San Diego State University one of the best decisions she’s ever made and remains proud to be part of the Monty’s Den legacy.

Read more from Besvold here: bit.ly/SDSUAlumni-YvonneBesvold

As a child, Emily Adams (’21, Marketing) couldn’t get enough of LEGOLAND California Resort. Twenty years later, she’s come full circle as the park’s Integrated Marketing Manager.

Emily started as a high school admissions associate and, after earning her degree from SDSU’s Fowler College of Business, turned her favorite childhood place into a thriving career.
She credits the SDSU American Marketing Association and her SDSU experience for preparing her to ask questions, stay curious, and understand the “why” behind strategy.

Read more about her career journey here: https://business.sdsu.edu/news/2025/10/emily-adams

Fowler student Tyler Stevens is turning his passion for sports into a pathway for leadership and impact. As vice president of operations for the Sports Business Initiative, he helps connect students with industry professionals and hands-on experiences in sports management.

Now, Stevens is taking his ambitions to the national stage as one of just nine students selected for USA Basketball’s Torch Leadership Mentorship Program, which empowers the next generation of diverse leaders in sports administration.

Read more about his journey here: https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2025/10/from-near-miss-to-big

"Many of our military-affiliated students come to SDSU already equipped with the leadership, discipline and strategic thinking skills that make them excellent candidates to establish businesses," said Dan Moshavi, Dean of the Fowler College of Business.

From entrepreneurship support at the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center to specialized advising and career development resources, Fowler is committed to helping veterans and active-duty students successfully transition and thrive.

Read more about the recent congressional visit and the resources available to our military-affiliated students: https://business.sdsu.edu/news/2025/09/fowler-military-resources

The Fowler College of Business is moving up!

In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings of undergraduate business programs, Fowler climbed eight spots to No. 41 among public business schools, and to No. 64 overall.
This recognition reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and business community partners who are driving Fowler forward.

We’re proud to see our progress recognized, and we’re excited to keep building the momentum.